by Bar Sagi
Lucas took her hand and grinned that infectious grin at her. “You promised me a date, remember?” His eyes twinkled with happiness. In that moment, all Yasmin wanted to do was protect it.
“What, now?” She was surprised. She had made that promise a few hours ago, barely!
He smiled as his hand moved to a more comfortable position. “What better time than the present?” Lucas asked, his eyes wide and inviting.
Yasmin bit her lip in anticipation. Lucas made everything seem fun. “Okay,” she agreed, smiling back at him. “But no buying tomatoes.”
He pouted. “There goes my plan for our first date,” he said as they started walking away from the orphanage, toward the city.
Yasmin laughed, meeting Lucas’s eyes again. She discovered she couldn’t look away from them. They were filled with so much life, it made her feel happy too. At that moment, Yasmin felt it didn’t matter how sad life was, if she was with Lucas it would be okay.
Lucas grinned again. Well, he had never stopped grinning, but he grinned even wider. “I love it when you laugh. It’s contagious.”
Yasmin blushed. Was her laugh really that amazing? She felt really happy. She had never felt his way with David. There was always someone to save. David was never about himself. He was about other people, about Atlantis. Maybe that’s why their relationship didn’t work. How could you have a boyfriend who never put you first?
Yasmin shook her head hard, choosing to focus on the person right in front of her. The one who actually cared for her. Why, after all this time, did her heart refuse to stop beating for David?
Well, it didn’t matter. Lucas was amazing, kind, funny, and best of all, he didn’t have a secret fiancée. That was better than David any day.
They had reached a garden. A sign was nearby, telling them it was called Edrich Gardens, and it was the city garden. It also said, in bright red letters: Don’t pick the flowers!
The garden was beautiful, even beating the royal gardens. While the royal gardens were perfectly tended, these gardens had a wilder look, where growth was left to grow, without being trimmed.
A dirt path leading into a hill of bluebells grew far in the distance, and a beautiful blood red flower grew nearby. Yasmin knelt beside it, taking in the beauty of nature. Standing up again, she marveled at the freedom she felt, only a few steps into the gardens.
The beautiful blue sky was cloudless and cool, and the green gardens were scattered with fresh, green leaves and early flowers, along with hundreds of flower buds. There wasn’t anything but flowers growing, and the garden seemed to stretch far into the distance. Yasmin loved it.
Yasmin took a deep breath, inhaling the perfume of the flowers around her. “Wow,” she said, looking around in wonder. “This place is amazing.”
Lucas grinned and took her hand again. “Well, you said no tomatoes, so I thought of the next best thing.” He waved an arm around him. “Nature!”
Yasmin laughed. Lucas was so funny, even when he wasn’t meaning to be. He had a storyteller’s air, the kind that whenever he told something, and it could be anything, he made it seem interesting.
“Well, I’m interested.” She leaned against him as they walked down the path. “Show me more.”
And that’s what he did. Lucas led her around, teaching her about the flowers. Well, sort of. He taught her a town tall tale that the blood red flower was a favorite food of the vampires, and they only ate human blood because they ran out of flower juice. Of course, that wasn’t true, but it was funny all the same.
Lucas told her a tale of the fairies who had lived here a thousand years ago, and how they had never been willing to make an alliance with Atlantis because they had always believed it was their land. Then, humans came with their magic and conquered the land for their own. The fairies, so insulted and hurt, combined all their magic to put Atlantis in a drought. But the spell went wrong, and caused a worldwide flood that almost flooded Atlantis.
But the humans didn’t want to die, so they pleaded with God for help. He sent them the first mage, the human who stopped the flood with his life force.
Rumor has it that he used his magic as a magnet, gathering the magic of all the other spellcasters in the land. With that amount of magic, he was able to stop the flood.
Ever since then, fairies and humans haven’t exactly gotten along, but now they might have an alliance. Lucas finished his story and looked at Yasmin, who was staring at him, openmouthed.
She had never known the full story until now. Of course, Yasmin had heard bits and pieces, but not everything. Was that really what had happened?
“Wow,” she said when Lucas finished talking, looking at the castle. “Is that really what happened?”
Lucas shrugged. “Nobody really knows the details. Anyone who could have told us what had really happened there is gone. This is the story that has been passed down since the beginning of the royal line. They say that the king is a descendant of the first mage.” He sounded relaxed. “You’ve got a lot to live up to, eh? People already saw the first mage save Atlantis once, now they want you to save it again.”
Although he said it lightly, the words had a heavy impact on her. Yasmin looked up at the sky and wondered, not for the first time, why she was chosen as the mage. As the sun began to set, she looked at Lucas again.
“Why do you think I was chosen as the mage?” she asked, not expecting an answer. “Is there some special quality? Or is it random?”
She didn’t add what she had really wanted to ask: Was it a mistake? Was Abby the real mage? Am I just an extra?
Lucas pondered that for a moment. “I don’t know. I don’t think being the mage means you are better or worse than anyone.” He looked thoughtful. “It’s really hard to explain, especially since I don’t know much about it, myself. But my mother studied the history of the mage, so I might know a bit.”
“Please tell me,” Yasmin asked, eager to know anything, but also afraid of what answers she might get. “But it’s getting dark, and I have to go back soon. Can you tell me as we walk back?” She held her breath, hoping for a yes. She shivered. It was getting more than a little chilly. The wind was also getting stronger. It was going to be a cold night.
“Sure,” Lucas said, taking her hand.
As they walked back through the pathway, he began explaining. “Well, the mage isn’t a person, really. Well, it is, but not one. Over the years, there have been hundreds of mages, some never even knowing who they are. The mages are more than ordinary casters of spells. They have a limitless capability for magic, with the right training, and the willingness to sacrifice their strength. Of course, if they use too much magic, they can kill themselves, but that would take a really large spell with almost no reserves.
“Nobody knows what gives the mage this power. Some call it the gift of God. Others are just dumbfounded. I think it’s a magic, black hole, of a sort.”
Yasmin looked at him in confusion, and he raised his arms.
“It’s just a theory. But you almost warp magic, using it in ways and measures that are unheard of. Mages are naturals at magic, and with their specialty even more. They have enough power in that area to become world-changing. “
“World-changing?” Yasmin stopped and looked at Lucas again, sure he was joking, but he only smiled grimly.
“Yes, world-changing. You forget, the first mage stopped what people from Israel call ‘The great flood’ with Noah, or whatever his name was. That seems pretty world-changing to me.” He paused for breath. “Of course, you also have to consider the physical toll it would take on a human body, to use up that much magic. Any human would probably not survive.”
Yasmin felt a bit scared and it must have shown in her face, because Lucas hurriedly continued, “But we are getting off topic. You asked why a mage is chosen, right? I believe whatever it is, is looking for certain qualities in someone, like bravery, stubb
ornness, and the like. But I could be wrong. There have been very cowardly mages. But all the history books say that in times of need, a mage gained bravery.
“So there’s your answer. No one knows. I personally think you were picked to be the mage because you are Yasmin, and no one else.” Lucas pursed his lips, deep in thought.
Yasmin had never seen him so into something.
“But maybe it is something to do with a capability for magic…”
He trailed off, deep in thought, while Yasmin just gaped. Was what he had said true? It was all so much to process. Did she really have enough magic to change the world? She had so many questions, but she picked the first one that sounded normal. Or at least not flat out crazy.
“Hey. Lucas, if my magic is like a black hole, what is a normal spellcasters magic? Like yours?”
Lucas laughed. “I don’t have magic, Yasmin, so my magic wouldn’t be anything.”
Yasmin blushed with shame. “Oh, I’m sorry. I just assumed, most people in Atlantis had magic.”
“Well, most do. Just not enough that it’s useful. About a third of the population has enough magic to really be useful, and that’s before you count out the ones who don’t want to cast spells.” He gently squeezed her hand, the only part of her that felt warm. “But back to your original question. I think a spellcaster’s magic is like a sun. Some have it bigger and brighter than others, and some smaller.” His eyes were focused as he spoke, he was so into magic and mages.
Yasmin giggled and poked him in the ribs. “Well, I certainly learned something new. I never knew you were such a fan of mages.”
Lucas, to her amazement, blushed. “I dabble. I wanted to study them too, you know, follow my mother, but now…” He trailed off again, looking sad.
Yasmin stopped and put a hand on his arm. “Lucas, I know this doesn’t mean anything to you because you’ve heard it a hundred times, but I’m sorry. If only I had been faster in getting to your village, maybe…” She trailed off, feeling shameful. Lucas’s parents shouldn’t have died.
Lucas clenched his hands into fists. “It’s not your fault! It’s the rebels! They are horrid and disgusting, and I hope they die…” He kept talking about them, his face pale and set. Yasmin was shocked.
She had never heard him utter as much as a bad word. He had such a personal grudge against them! But of course he would, when they had killed his parents. Still, Yasmin didn’t like the look on Lucas’s face. He looked ready to kill.
“I promise I will do my best to stop them.” Yasmin faced Lucas, gently holding his face in her hands. She leaned forward and hugged Lucas, until their foreheads touched. “So, if there’s anything I can do, tell me. I care about you, Lucas.”
Lucas looked shocked. His eyes, up close, were like an emerald forest, filled with too many shades of green to describe.
“Excuse me, man, are you Lucas Ashtown?” A bored-looking teenager with a bag of letters on his back approached. “This was sent by magic express, and apparently very urgent. Are you him?” The teenager spoke with a drawl in his voice, it was like he was telling Lucas to do what he liked, because he didn’t care.
Lucas went pale.
Yasmin asked, in a very confused voice, “What’s magic mail?”
Lucas didn’t even turn to look at her, his white face was completely focused on the letter. Moving away from her, he took the white envelope in shaking hands.
The teenager came closer and glanced at Yasmin. He had a pimple the size of a small cottage on his cheek, but he didn’t seem to care.
Yasmin tried very hard not to stare. “Magic mail is instant. A temporary portal. You get it immediately, but also pay a lot more money. Must be real important to be sent through magic mail.”
Yasmin glanced at the letter, which Lucas was now opening slowly. He seemed scared of what was inside. That sparked Yasmin’s curiosity, but she pushed it down, hard. She had no right to snoop in Lucas’s letter, especially if it made him look like that. But why would an orphan get magic mail?
Lucas read the letter slowly. Its content seemed to trouble him. “Yasmin,” he said, his voice hoarse. “I need to go.”
“I’ll walk you back,” Yasmin stated, but Lucas stopped her.
“No.” “I think you should go home now, Yasmin.”
Yasmin would have argued, but when she saw the dead look on Lucas’s face she changed her mind.
“I’m here,” she said, placing a hand on Lucas’s shoulder. He flinched and she removed it. “Don’t forget that.”
Lucas looked sick, like that was the worst thing she could have said. “I wish I could.” He looked like he was about to cry.
Yasmin bit her lip, hurt. “Goodbye then,” she said, walking back to the castle.
If anybody had noticed that she was walking quite fast, they ignored it.
Later that night, Yasmin hugged her pillow, crying silently. Was Lucas okay? If he wasn’t, why didn’t he ask for help? Even if she couldn’t solve the problem, she could at least comfort him, right? Why did he want her so far away?
***
Far away in the orphanage, Lucas sat by the window, reading the letter again by moonlight. Although it was freezing outside, he wasn’t cold, even wearing only a light shirt.
Gazing at the full moon, Lucas clenched the letter in his fist.
I hate this! He thought, even knowing it was useless. I hate doing this! But it’s the only choice, I have to. Even if it means losing everything.
Lucas Ashtown looked out the window, about to make the hardest decision of his life.
“I’m sorry, Yasmin,” he whispered to no one…
Chapter 19
Wishes under the stars…
Yasmin felt a bit sad the next day. She had training-again. Even though she was done with magic, Gloriana still tried to teach her magic.
Gloriana had come to respect Yasmin a little more once she found out about the rouge army, but she still wanted Yasmin to keep training. Since she wouldn’t do actual magic, Gloriana taught her magical theory, usually in the library.
“You see, Yasmin, there are all kinds of magic. You are best at Elemental magic, which uses the natural elements, such as fire and water. I am better at Rune magic, which uses runes drawn in the air or ground or paper to get results. There are many different kinds of magic, but these are the most common. Elemental magic has a connection to weather magic, which includes forecasts. Weather magic is very rare, and only the most skilled spellcasters can summon thunderstorms.
“Rune magic, on the other hand, has a more practical, everyday use. A while back, you asked me why we don’t let the world know about magic. Well, we tried, once in the fifteen hundreds. You heard how that turned out,” she said wryly, making Yasmin shudder. “Normal humans, well, most of them anyways, react… unpleasantly to things they don’t understand and control. No, we’re better off alone. It’s much less of a headache.
“You go home back to your family once a week, am I right?”
Yasmin nodded and grimaced. The library chair was becoming uncomfortable.
“How do you think the portal is created? No potion could ever do that. A spellcaster creates a temporary portal so you can travel. Portalling is a very popular way of travel for spellcasters. Quick and easy.”
Easy? Yasmin thought of that time she had puked after portalling from home, and shuddered. I don’t really like portals.
“The better you are at Rune magic, the faster you can do the spells. You’ll be able to do more than simple shield spells soon. That is, if you ever take up magic again.” Gloriana regarded Yasmin with a reproachful look. Yasmin felt uncomfortable and wondered silently if Gloriana was ever going to give up that topic.
Just then, an unlikely savior appeared. Amanda, dressed all in red and black, with a royal circlet around her black hair. She seemed to be glowing with pride.
“Yasmin!” she said, touching her arm, and breathing heavily like she had been running. Which was unlikely, because she was wearing two inch heels. “I need to talk to you!”
“Princess Amanda,” Gloriana said in a reproachful tone, getting up and curtsying. “This is most improper. We were in the middle of a very important lesson.”
Princes Amanda straightened and fixed Gloriana with her sharp gaze. “I need the mage for royally important matters. The queen would also agree that this is something I need her for. I’m sure your lesson will be arranged for later. Good day.” And with that, she took Yasmin out of the library.
Yasmin snuck a glance at Gloriana, who looked shocked. She grinned to herself. She could finally breathe! Those lessons were getting on her nerves! She had not had a second to breathe in days!
Out in the hallway, Amanda let go of Yasmin’s hand and turned to her, still slightly out of breath. “You won’t believe it!” She sounded happier than Yasmin had ever seen her, her beautiful face flushed. “You won’t believe what happened!”
Yasmin smiled slightly. Whatever had happened, it must be good. “Did you find the headquarters of the rebels?”
Amanda sagged a bit, but then came up again, grinning more than ever. “I’m getting close. But that’s not the good news. My mother finally agreed to an alliance with the rogue army!” She held up a brown leather notebook, which Yasmin hadn’t noticed until now. “I’ve got to tell Maven! He’ll be so happy! He’s been working so hard lately.” A sad look crossed her eyes.
Yasmin looked closer at the notebook, which seemed old and tattered. “I’ve been meaning to ask for a while. Are you and Maven dating?” She noticed with curiosity that Amanda’s face had gone pale.
Amanda took her outside and whispered, “How did you know?” She seemed terrified someone would find out.
Yasmin shivered. It was cold! March wasn’t a very good month to be outside. Taking in Amanda’s pale face, she wondered, why does it have to be a secret? Probably the queen again. I think that woman has it out for couples.
